2016 Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi review, road test

On a visual front, almost nothing has changed from the standard carburetted version of the Gixxer SF. You have to look really hard to spot the differences. And barring the tiny badge on the fairing that indicates this bike is running with fuel injection, the only other dissimilarity is a noticeable gap on the left side of the fairing, which houses the fuel cock on the carbed bike. Almost as an afterthought, this FI version gets a clear lens tail-light. Looking at the overall design, while fully faired bikes are usually much loved in India, the Gixxer SF’s design is a bit of a hit or miss. Some enthusiasts find the upright ergonomics at odds with the sporty fairing. But for those who just care about having a bike that looks like a sportbike without its awkward seating position, the Gixxer SF is just right. However, the MotoGP-inspired livery with its factory blue paint scheme and racebike graphics does look pretty neat and has the ability to draw attention on the road.

Other design elements such as the stubby exhaust and the grab rails that integrate into the tail section look quite attractive as well, and honestly, if this bike came equipped with low-slung clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs, it would look like a proper little sportbike. But, as the bike stands, this sportiness is sacrificed for a comfortable and upright road-friendly riding stance that doesn’t differ at all from the naked Gixxer's. The sculpted fuel tank is comfortable to grip with your thighs, and the low 780mm seat height combined with the bike’s slender waistline really makes it unintimidating. If we had to nitpick, then we’d say that the instrument cluster is a bit on the smaller side and feels a bit cluttered. However, it is more informative than the displays on other bikes in this class, and you’ll get used to its compact size fairly quickly. Our biggest grouse though, and this is a real one, is about the lack of a position lock on the rear-view mirror stalks. As soon the nuts keeping the stalks attached get loose, the mirrors falls (folds) forward and end up looking like two stabby weapons attached to the front of the bike. And nothing short of retightening these nuts solves the issue.